Abstract: A shaft balancing device having first and second supports, which are rotatable about an axis, a motor drivingly coupled to the first support, an electromagnet, which has a plurality of coil units that are disposed circumferentially about the axis, and a control module. The control module is configured to separately control operation of each of the coil units to generate a predetermined composite magnetic field that is an aggregate of a plurality of magnetic fields produced by the plurality of coil units. The predetermined composite magnetic field is fixed relative to a datum that is rotatable about the axis with the first support. The control module is further configured to rotate the predetermined composite magnetic field about the axis at a rotational velocity of the first support.

Abstract: A method for dynamically balancing an unbalanced article about a rotary axis. The method includes determining a mass and a position of a corrective weight, the mass and position of the corrective weight being configured to at least partly correct an imbalance in the unbalanced article that is generated when the unbalanced article is rotated about the rotary axis; and spraying an atomized liquid or molten material toward a surface of the unbalanced article to form the corrective weight.

Abstract: A shaft balancing device having first and second supports, which are rotatable about an axis, a motor drivingly coupled to the first support, an electromagnet, which has a plurality of coil units that are disposed circumferentially about the axis, and a control module. The control module is configured to separately control operation of each of the coil units to generate a predetermined composite magnetic field that is an aggregate of a plurality of magnetic fields produced by the plurality of coil units. The predetermined composite magnetic field is fixed relative to a datum that is rotatable about the axis with the first support. The control module is further configured to rotate the predetermined composite magnetic field about the axis at a rotational velocity of the first support.

Abstract: The present teachings provide for a method of balancing a shaft. The method can include depositing a mixture of a liquid and ferromagnetic particles on a first surface of a shaft. The first surface can be disposed about a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The method can include rotating the shaft about the longitudinal axis at a first angular velocity. The method can include applying a first magnetic field distribution to the rotating shaft to move the ferromagnetic particles into a desired weight distribution about the first surface. The method can include solidifying the liquid to fix the ferromagnetic particles to the first surface in the desired weight distribution.

Abstract: A method for dynamically balancing an unbalanced article about a rotary axis. The method includes determining a mass and a position of a corrective weight, the mass and position of the corrective weight being configured to at least partly correct an imbalance in the unbalanced article that is generated when the unbalanced article is rotated about the rotary axis; and spraying an atomized liquid or molten material toward a surface of the unbalanced article to form the corrective weight.

Abstract: The present teachings provide for a method of balancing a shaft. The method can include depositing a mixture of a liquid and ferromagnetic particles on a first surface of a shaft. The first surface can be disposed about a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The method can include rotating the shaft about the longitudinal axis at a first angular velocity. The method can include applying a first magnetic field distribution to the rotating shaft to move the ferromagnetic particles into a desired weight distribution about the first surface. The method can include solidifying the liquid to fix the ferromagnetic particles to the first surface in the desired weight distribution.

Abstract: A method for inspecting contact between mating gears that includes applying a mixture to teeth of a first gear, teeth of a second gear, or the teeth of both the first and second gears. The mixture includes a lubricating oil and a fluorescing dye. The first gear is rotated to drive the second gear. While the second gear is being driven by the first gear, electromagnetic radiation, such as ultra-violet radiation, is applied to the teeth of at least one of the first and second gears to cause the teeth to fluoresce. The fluorescing teeth of the second gear are inspected to identify a tooth inspection zone that approximates a zone of contact between the teeth of the first and second gears.

Abstract: A method for inspecting contact between mating gears that includes applying a mixture to teeth of a first gear, teeth of a second gear, or the teeth of both the first and second gears. The mixture includes a lubricating oil and a fluorescing dye. The first gear is rotated to drive the second gear. While the second gear is being driven by the first gear, electromagnetic radiation, such as ultra-violet radiation, is applied to the teeth of at least one of the first and second gears to cause the teeth to fluoresce. The fluorescing teeth of the second gear are inspected to identify a tooth inspection zone that approximates a zone of contact between the teeth of the first and second gears.

Abstract: A brake component assembly includes a support plate and a friction lining mounted to the support plate with a plurality of fasteners. A sealing barrier is formed between the support plate and the friction lining. A liquid material is initially applied to at least one of the support plate and friction lining, which are then fastened together. The liquid material subsequently forms the sealing barrier between the support plate and the friction lining. Optionally, a flexible gasket is used to form the sealing barrier. The flexible gasket is sandwiched between the support plate and friction lining when the support plate and friction lining are fastened together.

Abstract: The body panels of the present invention are designed to crumple in a predisposed manner upon impact. The body panels are preferably made from a polymeric material. Further, the body panels can include a sheet of colored material attached to the polymeric material so that no painting of the panel is necessary. Preferably, the colored material is on an exterior surface of the panel. The colored material could be made from a thermoplastic with molded in color. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a polymeric material reinforced with spaced reinforcing fibers. An alternative embodiment of the body panel includes a sheet of polymeric material that is reinforced with spaced mechanical ribs that are preferably molded into the sheet of material. Another alternative embodiment of the body panel includes alternating sections of high density polymeric foam and low density polymeric foam.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer includes large side panels that are attached to a trailer superstructure. A method and apparatus for making the panels includes forming composite panels that are lightweight and economical to manufacture. In one embodiment, the superstructure has grooves for receiving the composite panels. The composite panels preferably fit together via a tongue and groove configuration. Alternatively, the superstructure has support beams that have threaded receiving holes. Each composite panel then includes threaded inserts aligned with the receiving holes and that attach to the receiving holes. In both embodiments, each composite panel preferably includes at least an outer colored layer, a sheet of polymeric material attached to the colored layer and an inner layer attached to the polymeric material. Other layers can be added depending upon the use of the vehicle. For instance, a layer of insulating foam can be added if the vehicle is to be refrigerated.

Abstract: A vehicle pick-up bed is disclosed that can be folded into shape by hand. The pick-up bed includes a generally flat sheet of colored material molded together with a generally flat sheet of reinforced polymeric material. Preferably, the sheet of colored material is placed in the mold and the reinforced polymeric material is injected into the mold, onto the back of the colored sheet. During the molding process, the reinforced polymeric material and the colored material are formed or molded into a single, generally flat, solid component. The sheet of colored material adheres to the reinforced polymeric material. Once molded, the sides of the pick-up bed are folded into shape along hinge edges and connected to stay in place. Hinge edges could be formed by locating few or no reinforcing fibers in the reinforced polymeric material in the desired location of the hinge edges. The colored material is preferably.a paintless polymer film. Alternatively, the colored material is pre-painted aluminum.

Abstract: A system for measuring payload is integrated into the cargo carrying bed of a vehicle. The vehicle bed is formed from a plastic material and includes a body member that is supported on a vehicle frame. At least one sensor assembly is molded within the body member. The sensor is positioned over the vehicle frame and generates a weight signal representative of weight of the payload supported on the body member. A central processor receives the weight signal and transmits the weight signal to a vehicle driver. The weight signal can be used to activate a warning device if the payload exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A vehicle pick-up bed is disclosed that can be folded into shape by hand. The pick-up bed includes a generally flat sheet of colored material molded together with a generally flat sheet of reinforced polymeric material. Preferably, the sheet of colored material is placed in the mold and the reinforced polymeric material is injected into the mold, onto the back of the colored sheet. During the molding process, the reinforced polymeric material and the colored material are formed or molded into a single, generally flat, solid component. The sheet of colored material adheres to the reinforced polymeric material. Once molded, the sides of the pick-up bed are folded into shape along hinge edges and connected to stay in place. Hinge edges could be formed by locating few or no reinforcing fibers in the reinforced polymeric material in the desired location of the hinge edges. The colored material is preferably a paintless polymer film. Alternatively, the colored material is pre-painted aluminum.

Abstract: A vehicle fender includes an integrally formed storage compartment for storing items such as tools and equipment. The fender has fender body mounted to a vehicle frame, chassis, or unibody member. In one embodiment, a recess is formed within the fender body for storing items. A panel is pivotally attached to the fender body and pivots between an open position to allow access to the tools and a closed position to store the tools. A length, a width, and a height define the recess. In the preferred embodiment, the length is greater than the width and the height such that long items can be easily stored. In another embodiment, the panel is formed as a fender panel and a support is formed between the fender body and the fender panel. The fender panel is pivoted to the open position to allow access to the support.

Abstract: A vehicle pick-up bed is disclosed that can be folded into shape by hand. The pick-up bed includes a generally flat sheet of colored material molded together with a generally flat sheet of reinforced polymeric material. Preferably, the sheet of colored material is placed in the mold and the reinforced polymeric material is injected into the mold, onto the back of the colored sheet. During the molding process, the reinforced polymeric material and the colored material are formed or molded into a single, generally flat, solid component. The sheet of colored material adheres to the reinforced polymeric material. Once molded, the sides of the pick-up bed are folded into shape along hinge edges and connected to stay in place. Hinge edges could be formed by locating few or no reinforcing fibers in the reinforced polymeric material in the desired location of the hinge edges. The colored material is preferably a paintless polymer film. Alternatively, the colored material is pre-painted aluminum.

Abstract: A vehicle pick-up bed with fenders is disclosed that can be folded into shape by hand. The component includes a generally flat sheet of colored material and a generally flat sheet of reinforced polymeric material. Preferably, the sheet of colored material is placed in the mold and the reinforced polymeric material is injected into the mold, onto the back of the sheet of colored material. During the molding process, the reinforced polymeric material and the colored material are molded into a single, generally flat, solid component. The sheet of colored material adheres to the reinforced polymeric material. Once molded, the sides of the pick-up bed and fenders are folded into shape along hinge edges. The side walls are connected to stay in place. Hinge edges could be formed by locating few or no reinforcing fibers in the reinforced polymeric material in the desired location of the hinge edges. The colored material is preferably a paintless polymer film.

Abstract: A vehicle with large side panels includes composite panels that are lightweight and economical to manufacture. A superstructure has a plurality of attached composite panels. In one embodiment, the superstructure has grooves for receiving the composite panels. The composite panels preferably fit together via a tongue and groove configuration. Alternatively, the superstructure has support beams that have threaded receiving holes. Each composite panel then includes threaded inserts aligned with the receiving holes and that attach to the receiving holes. In both embodiments, each composite panel preferably includes at least an outer colored layer, a sheet of polymeric material attached to the colored layer and an inner layer attached to the polymeric material. Other layers can be added depending upon the use of the vehicle. For instance, a layer of insulating foam can be added if the vehicle is to be refrigerated. Further, an additional structural support layer can be added to increase the strength of the walls.

Abstract: A vehicle with large side panels includes composite panels that are lightweight and economical to manufacture. A superstructure has a plurality of attached composite panels. In one embodiment, the superstructure has grooves for receiving the composite panels. The composite panels preferably fit together via a tongue and groove configuration. Alternatively, the superstructure has support beams that have threaded receiving holes. Each composite panel then includes threaded inserts aligned with the receiving holes and that attach to the receiving holes. In both embodiments, each composite panel preferably includes at least an outer colored layer, a sheet of polymeric material attached to the colored layer and an inner layer attached to the polymeric material. Other layers can be added depending upon the use of the vehicle. For instance, a layer of insulating foam can be added if the vehicle is to be refrigerated. Further, an additional structural support layer can be added to increase the strength of the walls.

Abstract: A vehicle body includes an undercarriage storage compartment for storing items such as a spare tire, tools and/or other types of equipment underneath a pick-up truck bed. The vehicle body includes a generally flat truck bed bottom member that extends in a longitudinal direction along the vehicle. The bottom member is mounted to a vehicle structure such as, a vehicle frame, chassis, or unibody member. The storage compartment has a support surface extending underneath the bottom member for supporting items such as the spare tire and associated tools. The storage compartment slides to an open position to allow access to the spare tire and tools and is then returned to a closed position to store the tire and tools within the storage compartment. In one embodiment, the support surface is tiltable to allow ramp access to the truck bed.